I have worked with few startups of different degrees. I really think CTO doesn't need to code but should know what code does.
One of our CTO (where I am a developer with) is good at MySQL, PHP and other stuff, he just checks our DB schema or does pull data by himself for any data points or how our recent conversion does affect our sales etc., this really helps so we can still do and focus on our consumer changes rather than pulling data which ofcourse is important but not something relevant to development.
On one weekend one of my code created an issue with cron job and halted sales and he just aware of what might be causing it and just altered a DB value and it run off smoothly and I fixed it over Monday. So it probably helps as a team. But he doesn't do any single code commit. I am very happy with him and love to work with him.
So I really think a CTO need not code but definitely need to know what code does.
But $30/hr is really a good pay considering living in India yes? Ofcourse aiming high is definitely a goal. If Odesk helped you to get clients with those rates I really appreciate it. Keep it up.
Yes I definitely think there is a real need for HUD for our car. Kudos for the Navdy team for such a brave attempt.
Few challenging tasks ahead for Navdy team like:
1. I get tonnes of marketing SMS, It should recognize which SMS should be delivered to HUD might depend the ratio of conversation I make with the sender and decide based on that? (Yeah I live in other side of the planet)
2. I might not need integration with Twitter and other social media accounts they are definitely not meant to get my focus while driving
3. As per other HN commenter, it would be awesome if it can recognize the signals or detect objects ahead of some 10m and warn me and get me a path way to ride? determine the pathway depending on the car dimensions ? (Yes, I live in India and commuting here in city is really makes you very skillful in driving :), something like in Captain America 2 film wind sheild? Yeah I know easier said than done )
4. May be get them the HUD view of rear and help me to drive reverse without need to turn around ? (Asking for too much?)